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At The Inn Near Mantova
Outside Mantova, gone there in exile,
you met two adolescents on the road;
they were wholly in love and without guile,
without the aristocracy's conceit.
Shoes in their hands; walking; their stockinged feet
cautious and careful to avoid a pile
of dog's poop, they asked of a night's abode.
Your own you offered them, to use as guests,
and withdrew to another (cleansed of pests).
Next morning, breakfasting, you recommended
a certain man who had some land for sale---
a rural property---a small estate---
one that young lovers would appreciate.
Their interest piqued, they asked for more detail:
high walls and hedges, guarding privacy;
a wildflower meadow, blooming verdantly;
the house itself just recently extended.
No Montagues or Capulets prevail
there. Now, this couple whom you have befriended,
are on their way back into town to meet
a banker who will handle this transaction
(as you directed) to their satisfaction.
In their own happiness, you are blest, too,
for in them is a soft reflection of
the adolescent and exclusive love
that Beatrice had once bestowed on you.
Starward
[jlc]
